I recently purchased a Hunter 34' with a fairly new Autohelm ST4000. However, it doesn't seem to want to go through the calibration process and, therefore, isn't working properly, or not at all. I don't have clue as to where to go for assistance, and I'm not particularly handy when it comes to electronics. Do I go back to the manufacturer, and find out who might be in the area to service it. Seek local assistance? I keep my boat in Traverse City, MI. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
ST4000
- Thread starter zzhunter
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It's a common problem
There are two do-it-yourself fixes to calibrate the pilot but it should work even if you do neither. Presuming you already tried and failed to get it to calibrate by going through the doing circles method, you can also get close by calibrating the compass by driving on all 4 90 degree compass points and calibrate with the magnetic compass. This isn't the "correct method" but will suffice. There were a number of these sold with bad internal software which could be the problem; you might also have the unit set incorrectly for sensitivity. Best thing to do is get the version in the CAL mode and call Raymarine but be prepared for some telephone frustration trying to get an answer.
There are two do-it-yourself fixes to calibrate the pilot but it should work even if you do neither. Presuming you already tried and failed to get it to calibrate by going through the doing circles method, you can also get close by calibrating the compass by driving on all 4 90 degree compass points and calibrate with the magnetic compass. This isn't the "correct method" but will suffice. There were a number of these sold with bad internal software which could be the problem; you might also have the unit set incorrectly for sensitivity. Best thing to do is get the version in the CAL mode and call Raymarine but be prepared for some telephone frustration trying to get an answer.
Why Bother, if not interfaced?
Important: my ST4000 is not interfaced with other electronics. Living off marker #5, Okeechobee Waterway, it is a long ride to get where I can complete the calibration circle. Having a "calibrated" main compass, that is what I work off. Get the heading desired, engage. What does it matter what bearing "Clarabelle", my ST4000, reads?
Important: my ST4000 is not interfaced with other electronics. Living off marker #5, Okeechobee Waterway, it is a long ride to get where I can complete the calibration circle. Having a "calibrated" main compass, that is what I work off. Get the heading desired, engage. What does it matter what bearing "Clarabelle", my ST4000, reads?
on line manual
Raytheon has a complete on-line manual for your auto pilot. Just go to the Ratheon web site and mouse around till you find the manual which applies to your auto helm. It is a BIG manual so you may want to print off only the pages pertaining to the thing(s) you need to do. Why do you think it needs calibrating? Does it move the wheel too much in greater than glassy seas? If so then you may need to adjust the gain. Simply press and hold the + and - buttons at the same time till the gain adjust screen appears then minus it down to a 1 or 2 setting to take some of the wheel sensitivity out of the wheel action. Mike
Raytheon has a complete on-line manual for your auto pilot. Just go to the Ratheon web site and mouse around till you find the manual which applies to your auto helm. It is a BIG manual so you may want to print off only the pages pertaining to the thing(s) you need to do. Why do you think it needs calibrating? Does it move the wheel too much in greater than glassy seas? If so then you may need to adjust the gain. Simply press and hold the + and - buttons at the same time till the gain adjust screen appears then minus it down to a 1 or 2 setting to take some of the wheel sensitivity out of the wheel action. Mike
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